Company: Alutecnos · Country: Italy · Series: Albacore 2-Speed · Category: offshore trolling reels
Alutecnos builds premium Italian big-game reels from marine-grade aluminum bar stock using CNC machining. The Albacore 2-Speed series uses an infinite anti-reverse, a two-button gear-change system, five protected stainless bearings, tempered stainless gears and a carbon-composite drag.
Top 5 Alutecnos trolling reels
1. Albacore 30 2S
The 30 2S is a serious compact trolling reel with 3.3:1 / 1.7:1 gearing, 27 lb maximum drag and 63.4 oz weight. It holds about 601 yd of 30 lb mono. Current factory price is about €975. It suits sailfish, wahoo, medium tuna and light stand-up big-game work.
2. Albacore 50 2S
The standard-width 50 2S is the natural step up for heavier tuna and marlin. It keeps the Albacore two-button shift and stainless drivetrain in a more capacity-oriented frame. Current factory pricing is roughly €1,065.
3. Albacore 50W 2S
The 50W 2S widens the spool for anglers who want more mono or heavy braid backing while retaining a manageable 50-class package. It is priced around €1,130 and pairs naturally with 50–80 lb trolling rods.
4. Albacore 80W 2S
The 80W is a true heavy big-game reel for marlin and large tuna. It is built for harness/chair use and long fights, with the wide spool prioritizing capacity. Factory price is about €1,485.
5. Albacore 130 2S
The 130 2S is Alutecnos’ maximum-capacity Albacore two-speed and costs about €2,115 direct from the factory. This is a specialist chair reel for the largest tuna and billfish, not a general-purpose trolling reel.
What stands out
The two-button shifter is unusual and intuitive, while the carbon-composite drag is designed to remain consistent through long fights. Alutecnos also sells matching trolling rods, butts, harness gear and removable rollers, making the Albacore line a complete big-game system.
Pros and cons
Pros: Italian CNC construction, distinctive shifting system, broad 30–130 range, matching big-game hardware.
Cons: expensive; US parts and service access is narrower than PENN or Shimano.
Verdict
The 30 2S and 50W 2S are the most practical choices for active trolling crews. The 80W and 130 are for dedicated heavy-tackle programs.
Alutecnos: two different big-game philosophies
Alutecnos builds two families that matter here: Albacore 2-Speed and Gorilla 2-Speed. Albacore is the classic offshore trolling line, with conventional 30 through 130 sizes, stainless gearing and a carbon-composite drag. Gorilla is more compact and power-dense, using a double-disc Multi Drag system and much faster gear ratios in the smaller models.
Both families are machined in Italy from aluminum bar stock, then polished, ultrasonically cleaned and anodized. The reels use Alutecnos’ unusual infinite anti-reverse and two-button gear-change system. Rather than relying on a single push-button and spring-loaded return, the design gives the angler clear controls for changing speeds.
Albacore 2-Speed range
The current Albacore two-speed family includes 30, 30W, 50, 50W, 80, 80W and 130 sizes. All use protected stainless-steel bearings, a freewheel, tempered stainless gears and a carbon-composite drag washer. Factory pricing currently runs from about €975 for the 30 2S to €2,115 for the 130 2S.
Albacore 30 2S and 30W 2S
The Albacore 30 2S is the entry point to the traditional trolling line. The 30W 2S is particularly well documented: 3.3:1 high and 1.7:1 low gearing, 27 lb maximum drag, 65.2 oz weight and approximately 820 yd of 30 lb mono or 525 yd of 50 lb mono.
That is a conservative drag number compared with some modern braid reels, but it matches the traditional line class. The value of the Albacore is not extreme pressure; it is smooth, repeatable drag and durable stainless internals for long fights.
Albacore 50 and 50W
The 50-size Albacores are the center of the range for tuna and marlin. The standard 50 reduces width and weight, while the 50W gives more line capacity. Factory prices are currently around €1,019 for the 50 2S and €1,130 for the 50W 2S.
If a crew uses braid backing and relatively short topshots, the standard 50 may provide enough capacity while feeling better in a harness. If the setup uses long mono topshots or the fishery involves very long runs, the 50W makes more sense.
Albacore 80, 80W and 130
The 80, 80W and 130 models are traditional heavy-tackle reels. Factory prices currently rise from about €1,365 for the 80 2S to €1,485 for the 80W and €2,115 for the 130. These reels belong on heavy rods, often with bent butts or fighting chairs.
Do not buy the 130 simply because it is the biggest. Its weight and spool inertia are disadvantages on normal fish. It earns its place only when very heavy line and enormous reserve capacity are part of the plan.
Gorilla 2-Speed: compact high-output alternative
The Gorilla two-speed family is a different concept. Current models include 20V, 20W/V, 30, 30W, 50 and 50W. The smaller Gorilla 20V 2S uses extremely fast 6.5:1 high and 3.4:1 low gearing, can generate up to 45 lb of drag and weighs around 45.8 oz.
The 20W/V 2S uses the same gear ratios and maximum drag, weighs about 46.5 oz and carries approximately 765 yd of 90 lb Spectra. That is a remarkable amount of line and drag in a reel lighter than many traditional 30-class models.
Why Gorilla feels different
Alutecnos uses an integrated drag preset, ergonomic drag side plate and a double-disc Multi Drag system intended to preserve free spool at high settings. The lever is longer and shaped to improve leverage, while the aluminum handle is designed for heavy cranking.
The high ratios make Gorilla especially interesting for fast-moving fish. A 6.5:1 high gear can recover line quickly when a wahoo turns toward the boat or when a tuna suddenly swims up in the water column. The 3.4:1 “low” gear is still faster than high gear on many chair reels, which shows that Gorilla is not trying to replace an 80W.
Albacore versus Gorilla
| Feature | Albacore 2S | Gorilla 2S |
|---|---|---|
| Design philosophy | Traditional big-game trolling | Compact high-output |
| Gear ratios | Lower, torque-oriented | Much faster in small sizes |
| Drag system | Carbon-composite drag | Double-disc Multi Drag |
| Best targets | Marlin, tuna, heavy trolling | Wahoo, tuna, stand-up big game |
| Largest sizes | Up to 130 | Up to 50W |
If the reel is going on a classic 50- or 80-class trolling rod, Albacore is the natural choice. If the goal is modern braid capacity and fast stand-up fishing, Gorilla deserves more attention.
Two-button shifting
Alutecnos’ two-button system is a signature feature. The purpose is to make shifting simple and deliberate during a fight. A big-game angler often shifts while the rod is heavily loaded; an awkward mechanism can create slack or force the angler to take a hand off the grip.
The two-button arrangement also helps reduce accidental shifts. Like any gearbox, it should be tested under load before a major trip so the angler knows exactly how it feels.
Infinite anti-reverse
Instead of relying on a coarse ratchet with noticeable handle backplay, the infinite anti-reverse keeps the handle from moving backward before engagement. This makes the drivetrain feel more immediate, especially when the fish surges and the angler resumes cranking.
Florida applications
Sailfish and mahi: Gorilla 20V is more appropriate than an Albacore 50 or 80. Its speed is useful and the reel remains manageable.
Wahoo: Gorilla 20V or 20W/V. The fast retrieve is the main advantage.
Yellowfin and stand-up tuna: Gorilla 30/50 or Albacore 30W depending on whether speed or traditional line-class capacity is the priority.
Marlin: Albacore 50W, 80 or 80W. These reels are built around the conventional big-game role.
Giant tuna: Albacore 80W or 130, matched to appropriate rod and fighting system.
Line strategy
Albacore specifications are often expressed in monofilament capacity because the family comes from traditional big-game fishing. Modern owners can use braid backing to increase capacity dramatically, but spool fill must be done carefully. Braid packed under heavy tension can place significant outward force on a spool.
Gorilla specifications explicitly include Spectra capacities, reflecting its modern braid-focused use. Even there, leave enough room for a topshot and imperfect line lay during a fight.
Drag setup
As with other lever drags, set strike pressure with a scale. Maximum drag figures show what the reel can generate, not what should be used automatically. The Albacore 30W’s 27 lb maximum aligns with traditional line classes, while the Gorilla’s 45 lb gives more headroom in a smaller frame.
On a high-drag Gorilla, rod and reel-seat strength become critical. A compact reel capable of 45 lb can overload a light rod even if the line itself survives.
Build quality and corrosion resistance
Alutecnos machines components from bar stock and subjects aluminum parts to polishing, ultrasonic cleaning and anodizing. Stainless gears and protected bearings are selected for saltwater longevity. This does not make the reels maintenance-free. Salt can still enter around controls and fasteners, and galvanic corrosion can develop if a reel is stored wet.
Maintenance and service
Rinse gently, dry thoroughly and back off the drag for storage. Check the shift buttons and lever travel after every trip because dried salt around controls can make an otherwise healthy reel feel stiff. Heavy-use reels should receive periodic professional service, particularly before tournament season or long-range trips.
US service access is more limited than for PENN or Shimano, so owners should identify a dealer or technician before a problem arises. For a premium imported reel, parts logistics are part of the ownership decision.
Pricing and value
Current factory pricing puts Albacore 2-Speed reels roughly from €975 to €2,115 depending on size. Gorilla two-speeds start around €875 for the 20V and rise through the larger 50W models. These are premium reels, but the pricing reflects Italian CNC production and a relatively specialized market.
The best value is not necessarily the cheapest model. An Albacore 50W that exactly matches a marlin program can be a better purchase than a less expensive Gorilla that forces compromises in capacity or gearing.
Where to buy
Alutecnos sells through its factory store and international dealers. US buyers should confirm warranty handling, parts availability and shipping before ordering from Europe. Also check whether the reel is right- or left-hand; some left-hand versions carry an additional charge.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gorilla a trolling reel?
Yes, especially in the larger two-speed configurations, but it is a compact high-speed design rather than a traditional 80- or 130-class chair reel.
Which Alutecnos is best for marlin?
The Albacore 50W, 80 and 80W are the most natural choices. The 130 is for the heaviest programs.
What is special about the gear shift?
Alutecnos uses a two-button system designed to make shifts deliberate and intuitive under load.
Where are Alutecnos reels made?
Alutecnos manufactures its reels in Italy using CNC-machined aluminum components and stainless drivetrains.